Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Kearney, Nebraska is a mid-sized city with a population of 34,543 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Kearney is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Kearney tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 32 is far below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Kearney will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 14 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Kearney is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Nebraska, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Kearney, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and more.
Kearney has a livability score of 83 out of 100 and is ranked #10 in Nebraska and #821 in the USA. Based on this score, Kearney would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Kearney ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Kearney ranks well for amenities (B), cost of living (A+), education (A-), employment (B) and housing (A+).
Kearney has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Kearney has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Museum of Nebraska Art, and Cottonmill Lake.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Kearney, the unemployment rate stands at 2.1%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Kearney apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Kearney. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Kearney are affordable. Median real estate prices in Kearney come in at $339,708, which is 38.7% higher than the Nebraska average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Kearney, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% higher than the Nebraska average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Kearney | Nebraska | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.7% | 81.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.5% | 9.4% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 0.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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